Indulge in skin-loving foods

Tuesday

Dec 31, 2013 at 11:15 AM

Plunging temperatures call for more than just cozy sweaters, boots and coats — they can also challenge daily eating and wellness routines, which can negatively impact skin. A personal regimen that effectively combines diet (chock-full of fresh, in-season foods), exercise, skincare and wellness this winter can be a powerful tool in achieving a glowing, healthy-looking appearance.

Tip of the Week

Plunging temperatures call for more than just cozy sweaters, boots and coats — they can also challenge daily eating and wellness routines, which can negatively impact skin. A personal regimen that effectively combines diet (chock-full of fresh, in-season foods), exercise, skincare and wellness this winter can be a powerful tool in achieving a glowing, healthy-looking appearance.

Ellie Krieger, a nutritionist and host of the Food Network and Cooking Channel's "Healthy Appetite," says she believes positive food choices lead to beautiful skin and overall well-being. Here are some good options:

Butternut squash: One of the top sources of beta carotene, an antioxidant form of vitamin A that helps protect skin and speeds up the cell renewal process. Beta carotene imparts a yellow-orange color to food and can also enhance complexion tone.

Beets: High in folate, manganese and potassium. When buying fresh beets, select those with the greens intact because beet greens, like other green leafy vegetables, are not only delicious, they are also packed with nutrients, especially vitamin C, which is important for collagen production. Try sautéing cooked beets with the greens or some kale along with garlic and splash of balsamic vinegar. Or, whip up an elegant beet salad enhanced with watercress dressing by food-processesing the watercress, goat cheese, buttermilk, vinegar and salt until smooth and creamy, and add walnuts as a topper.

Tomatoes: A crucial "skin food." They provide lycopene, which helps protect skin against damage from UV radiation. Canned tomatoes and sauce make it easy to incorporate this fruit into everyday meals. Cooking tomatoes concentrates their lycopene, and adding olive oil in tomato sauce helps the body absorb the antioxidant.

Whole grains: Digested more slowly than refined grains so they can help you achieve a steadier blood sugar, which may reduce inflammation and acne flares and lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes and other health issues. Quinoa has gained popularity recently, but other alternative grains like farro and bulgur are just as delicious and packed with fiber and minerals.

Teas: Good alternative to morning coffee. White, green and black tea varieties are all from the same plant and packed with flavonoids and antioxidants, helping to detox cell-damaging free radicals in the body.

— Brandpoint

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